Mayada Fawzi

Engine oil and transmission fluid are not interchangeable . Engine oil lubricates and cools the engine’s moving parts, while transmission fluid acts as both a lubricant and hydraulic medium for the transmission system. Mixing them up can cause severe damage. Engine Oil vs Transmission Fluid: An Essential Guide Purpose & Function Engine Oil Lubricates pistons , crankshaft , valves , and other engine components. Reduces friction and wear. Helps dissipate heat from combustion. Keeps the engine clean by suspending contaminants. Transmission Fluid Lubricates gears , bearings , and clutch packs inside the transmission. Acts as a hydraulic fluid , enabling gear shifts in automatic transmissions . Provides cooling to transmission components. Protects against corrosion and wear.  Composition & Properties Engine Oil Typically amber to dark brown in color. Contains detergents, dispersal, and anti-wear additives . Designed to withstand high combustion temp...

Engine oil turns black mainly because it’s doing its job absorbing soot, carbon, dirt, and other combustion byproducts .  Black oil isn’t automatically bad ; it often means the oil is cleaning your engine . However, if it darkens too quickly or is accompanied by sludge , metal particles , or burnt smell , it may signal problems or overdue maintenance. Why Engine Oil Turns Black 1. Carbon & Dirt Accumulation Combustion produces carbon particles and soot . Oil circulates through the engine, picking up these contaminants. Over time, the mixture of oil + carbon = black coloration . 2. Oxidation Oil reacts with oxygen at high temperatures. This chemical process changes oil molecules, darkening the fluid. Oxidized oil loses viscosity and protective qualities. 3. Additive Breakdown Modern oils contain detergents, dispersants, and anti‑wear additives. As additives deplete, oil loses its ability to suspend contaminants. This accelerates darkening and reduces protect...

1. Conventional Oil (Mineral Oil). Made from crude oil refined into base stock. Pros: Lowest cost. Widely available. Adequate for older engines or light use. Cons: Breaks down faster under heat. Requires frequent oil changes (3,000–5,000 miles). Less protection against deposits and sludge. Best for: Older vehicles, budget‑conscious drivers, or engines designed before synthetic oils became standard. 2. Semi‑Synthetic Oil (Part Synthetic). Blend of mineral and synthetic oils . Pros: More affordable than full synthetic. Better protection and stability than conventional. Handles moderate driving conditions well. Cons: Still not as durable as full synthetic. Oil change intervals typically 5,000–7,500 miles . Best for: Drivers who want a balance of cost and performance, or vehicles in mixed driving conditions. 3. Full Synthetic Oil. 100% synthetic base oils with advanced additives . Pros: Superior wear protection and deposit control. Performs in...

1. Why Engine Oil Codes Matter Engine oils aren’t just “thick” or “thin.” Codes tell you about viscosity, performance standards, and approvals . Choosing the wrong oil can cause poor lubrication, higher wear, or even void OEM warranties . 2. Understanding Viscosity Grades (SAE Codes) Viscosity = oil’s resistance to flow. Defined by SAE J300 . Example:  5W-30 5W → Winter rating (oil’s flow at cold temperatures).  Lower = better cold start. 30 → Operating temperature viscosity . Higher = thicker at high temps. Code Cold Start (W) Hot Temp Grade Typical Use 0W-20 Excellent cold flow Thin at high temp Modern fuel-efficient engines 5W-30 Good cold start Balanced Most passenger cars 10W-40 Moderate cold start Thicker at high temp Older engines, hotter climates 3. API Service Categories (American Petroleum Institute) API sets performance standards. “S” = Spark ignition (gasoline engines) “C” = Compression ignition (diesel engines)...

Petrol and diesel engine oils differ in formulation, additives , and performance requirements due to the distinct operating conditions of each engine type. Key Differences Between Petrol and Diesel Engine Oils Feature Petrol Engine Oil Diesel Engine Oil Operating Conditions Lower temperatures and pressures Higher temperatures, pressures, and soot production Viscosity Typically lower viscosity (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-30) Often higher viscosity (e.g., 15W-40, 5W-40) to handle stress Additive Package Focuses on oxidation stability and wear protection Includes detergents and dispersants to manage soot and acid neutralization Detergent Levels Lower, as petrol engines run cleaner Higher, to combat soot and carbon buildup TBN (Total Base Number) Lower TBN, less acid neutralization needed Higher TBN to neutralize acids from diesel combustion Fuel Dilution Resistance Less critical More resistant to fuel dilution due to diesel injection systems Emission...

Lithium grease offers superior temperature and mechanical stability, making it ideal for high-performance and automotive applications, while calcium grease excels in water resistance and is better suited for marine and general-purpose uses. Composition & Thickener Lithium Grease :  Uses lithium soap as a thickener.  Often blended with mineral or synthetic base oils and additives. Calcium Grease :  Uses calcium soap as a thickener.  Typically based on mineral oils. Temperature Resistance Lithium Grease : High dropping point (~190°C), making it suitable for high-temperature environments like automotive wheel bearings and industrial machinery . Calcium Grease : Lower dropping point (~90–100°C), limiting its use in high-heat applications. Water Resistance Lithium Grease : Moderate water resistance. Can wash out in wet environments. Calcium Grease : Excellent water resistance. Ideal for marine, agricultural , and wet environments. Mechanical S...